ALBANIA is an increasingly popular destination for Brits looking for an affordable, sunny holiday.
The coastline, dubbed the Albanian Riviera, is only a few hours from the UK — and boasts some incredible beaches.
What is the Albanian Riviera?
The Albanian Riviera is a shoreline stretching from the north to the south of Albania.
Referred to as Bregu by the locals, the area boasts sandy beaches and UNSEO sites.
It stretches from Vlorë in the north to Ksamil in the south.
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The summer months are the best time to visit, with May to September being the warmest, with highs of 28C.
It is busiest during July and August, but crowds are far smaller than other hotspots in Europe.
Where are Albania's most popular beaches?
Most of the Albanian beaches are wide and sandy, so you have your pick of where to go.
The most northern part of the Riviera is Vlorë, where most people will visit before heading down the coast, although it does have it's own beaches.
And in the southern part of the Riviera is Ksamil, which is close to the Greek border.
Videos of the coastal resort show turquoise waters with what one tour guide group describes as a "Bora Bora feel".
Others have called it the "European Maldives".
But there's plenty more to enjoy in between, so here's our guide to Albania's best beaches according to Tripadvisor.
Gjipe
Described by many as a 'hidden gem', Gjipe Beach is situated at the mouth of an impressive gorge.
It is an excellent location for swimming, with crystal clear waters.
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Although be warned — access to the beach by foot can be tricky, particularly the route to and from the nearby carpark.
Dhermi
Dhermi Beach is covered with pebbles, so if you're looking for soft sand this may not be the one for you.
But it is in an incredible location boasting a beach road lined with restaurants, majestic rock formations, and the sea there is both generally clean and uncrowded.
Check out The Sun's trip to 'undiscovered gem' Dhermi for a more in-depth guide on what to do in the region.
Mirror
Mirror Beach is a vibrant location complete with a restaurant and sun bed and umbrella facilities.
The beach is clean but quite rocky, and the sea is pristine and deep blue.
It can be difficult to reach by car though, so be sure to plan your journey carefully.
Pulebardha
Plulebardha Beach is a beautiful pebble beach offering clear and clean seas and incredible scenery.
It is recommended to take water shoes as the beach is scattered with rocks and getting in and out of the sea can be tricky.
If you are travelling by public transport, it's worth noting that the walk from the bus stop is quite long and the paths are rudimentary.
Jale
Jale Beach offers good parking, a variety of decent restaurants, beachside bars and shops, as well as spectacular views.
You can also rent a canoe and paddle to the remote beaches surrounding the area.
It is worth getting there in the morning as it can get very busy in the afternoons during peak holiday months.
Is Albania cheap to visit?
The average flight time between the UK and Albania's capital, Tirana, takes approximately three hours.
WizzAir is currently offering incredibly cheap flights, starting from just €13 (£11).
EasyJet, WizzAir and British Airways all offer direct routes to Tirana.
From Tirana it's a four-hour drive to Ksamil on the southern coast.
Another option is to fly to Corfu then catch one of five daily ferries across to Sarandë.
Return flights to Corfu with EasyJet can be snapped up for less than £60 per person.
Bookings to Albania are up 96 per cent compared to 2019, according to Skyscanner, and this is expected to continue to rise.
It is also very affordable when you are out there — a glass of wine will set you back £1.70 and pints cost just £1.10.
